01 Sep 2007 |
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| The late former president of South Africa , Pieter Willem Botha is claimed to have declared during one of the National party’s (NP) (former ruling party) many political rallies that, his country will never become second Zimbabwe . He was not talking about the economic ruin of his country’s northern neighbour, but what he was referring to, and wished that, it doesn’t happened to his country, was the change of the skin colour of those whom he thought had the God given right, to rule South Africa politically and economically , everlastingly. Late Mr Botha lost in his bet and desires. For his country is today, ruled by those he hated or was circumstantially forced to pretend he hated, all in a bid, to reach the pinnacle of political power and keep it, for as long as possible. Mr Botha’s attitude seems a truly African dictatorial tradition. But those now ruling or some radical and influential fringes amongst them are full throttle, transforming South Africa to become Zimbabwe : both politically and economically. The late former president of South Africa may have inwardly known that, it was inevitable for a minority of South Africans to keep economic and political powers eternally. But What I suspect, he never thought or expected, was for his country to plummet or stand on the verge of plummeting, thus, bracing to become like the majority of her northern neighbours: weak and poor politically and economically. Pieter Willem Botha should be turning presently in his George tomb in the calm South African town of George . This presentation of South Africa might sound as an exaggeration to many. Mr Botha’s attitude seems a truly African dictatorial tradition. But those now ruling or some radical and influential fringes amongst them are full throttle, transforming South Africa to become Zimbabwe: both politically and economically. The late former president of South Africa may have inwardly known that, it was inevitable for a minority of South Africans to keep economic and political powers eternally. But What I suspect, he never thought or expected, was for his country to plummet or stand on the verge of plummeting, thus, bracing to become like the majority of her northern neighbours: weak and poor politically and economically. Pieter Willem Botha should be turning presently in his George tomb in the calm South African town of George. This presentation of South Africa might sound as an exaggeration to many. Possible spill over But the truth is that, if care is not taken, South Africa may become second Zimbabwe in less than two decades. The current economic, political and social ruin in Zimbabwe, engineered by a clique headed by Robert Gabriel Mugabe, has made that country (Zimbabwe), not just to become a metaphor for countries on the highway to economic, political and social oblivion, but, she has also shown the vulnerability of a country like South Africa, which, apparently have stronger institutions than countries on the rest of the continent. Well, that is, in a situation where, people with similar ideologies now leading Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANUPF, takes over the ANC in South Africa and thus wins political power in 2009.But South Africa is not yet Zimbabwe and we are all still impressed and bewildered at the same time, how that country, has succeeded to sail through apartheid to a multiracial democracy, without the expected bloodbath baptism. Some say, the South African miracle or political feat happened because, the creation of what is/was labelled the rainbow nation, which bore and wore, the consensus and the no-need-for-revenge-attitude of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. And this question: What will happen after the fatherly figure of Nelson Mandela is gone? Perhaps Frederick Willem De Klerk will take over. However, It is true that, since 1994 and until now, the Mandela effect is there, casting his strong shadow over the country. But South Africa is not yet Zimbabwe and we are all still impressed and bewildered at the same time, how that country, has succeeded to sail through apartheid to a multiracial democracy, without the expected bloodbath baptism. Some say, the South African miracle or political feat happened because, the creation of what is/was labelled the rainbow nation, which bore and wore, the consensus and the no-need-for-revenge-attitude of . And this question: What will happen after the fatherly figure of Nelson Mandela is gone? Perhaps will take over. However, It is true that, since 1994 and until now, the Mandela effect is there, casting his strong shadow over the country. Ignored hero But while the world celebrates Mr Mandela, the positive grand role played and that is still being played by former President Frederick Willem De Klerk in making South Africa peaceful and attractive to Africans and non Africans must not be ignored. Even though people around the world and South Africans in chief, seems to be quick to forget that, had Mr De Klerk not decided to speed political reforms began by Mr Botha, which was manifested in the release of Nelson Mandela and the opening of negotiations with the ANC, no amount of bombs and economic sanctions could have stopped the racist former governing National party from overseeing South Africa.Threat to economic & political stability Hence, Mr De Klerk must be given due respect and a place in the pantheon of great South Africans and Africans, as it is currently done with Mr Mandela. But as bright as things might currently appear for South Africa supported by her unprecedented economic growth, which has given naissance to a multiracial vital happy few, there are nonetheless indications, that, the country is closing dangerously toward ‘Zimbabweanisation’. These sad situations which could nevertheless be curtailed are manifesting her ugly faces in two ways. The first is the strong domination of the ruling ANC. And in any democracy, a very strong party in the shape of the ANC, always has the tendency to be indolent, narcissistic, deaf, lacked originality and are always on the periphery of being dictatorial. The second current South African beast, which must not be ignored and should be regarded/watched with hawks eyes as its roves and if need be, caught and destroyed, are the desires of the ANC in provinces they control, to change names of roads, towns etc. Hence, Mr De Klerk must be given due respect and a place in the pantheon of great South Africans and Africans, as it is currently done with Mr Mandela. But as bright as things might currently appear for South Africa supported by her unprecedented economic growth, which has given naissance to a multiracial vital happy few, there are nonetheless indications, that, the country is closing dangerously toward . These sad situations which could nevertheless be curtailed are manifesting her ugly faces in two ways. The first is the strong domination of the ruling ANC. And in any democracy, a very strong party in the shape of the ANC, always has the tendency to be indolent, narcissistic, deaf, lacked originality and are always on the periphery of being dictatorial. The second current South African beast, which must not be ignored and should be regarded/watched with hawks eyes as its roves and if need be, caught and destroyed, are the desires of the ANC in provinces they control, to change names of roads, towns etc. Logically speaking, one would always be tempted to support those within the ANC, who want to change names of everything in South Africa . For throughout history and in all countries around the world, historical and political events do oblige the government of the moment to change or add names to some streets, towns and other important venues. But the current name changing ceremonies in South Africa has a soured flavour. It is more like retribution targeting a specific tribe for the role its members played in the past. Those supporting the spate of renaming campaign also claim that, they are justified or necessary because, those places being renamed had undergone the same process before. But what is above all important is that, it is not good to have a selective read of history as some reactionary elements within the ANC are presently doing. Logically speaking, one would always be tempted to support those within the ANC, who want to change names of everything in South Africa. For throughout history and in all countries around the world, historical and political events do oblige the government of the moment to change or add names to some streets, towns and other important venues. But the current name changing ceremonies in South Africa has a soured flavour. It is more like retribution targeting a specific tribe for the role its members played in the past. Those supporting the spate of renaming campaign also claim that, they are justified or necessary because, those places being renamed had undergone the same process before. But what is above all important is that, it is not good to have a selective read of history as some reactionary elements within the ANC are presently doing. Selective read of history Some South African, ANC historians, who uses history as the bulwark to change names in South Africa , must be reminded that, their country is and was not an entirely Bantu country. For before the two dominant and most bellicose South African tribes: Afrikaners and Bantus settled in South Africa , the territory had natives who had names on their settlements. This therefore cancels out the foundation on to which stands the reasons’ justifying the name changing going on in the country. For it is not even clear whether, the first indigenous tribes of South Africa and their names, are being taken into consideration by the apostles of name change in South Africa . Another aspect which is troubling with the name changes is that, they are carried out in an undemocratic manner. Any true democratic country will not be carrying out sensitive projects, without first sorting out a consensus. For name changes are like the relocation of people, both are deeply emotional, as it has been demonstrated in Kwa-Zula Natal, when the ANC in the province wanted to carryout their name change campaign. And again, according to the August 3rd 2007 online edition of the South African Mail & Guardian newspaper, the ANC dominated municipality of Tshwane , want to change the name of Pretoria to Tshwane. It was first claimed that, it was the municipality that was to be named Tshwane and now, in spite out cry from the Afrikaner tribe and monies thrown away into in such a controversial project, it seems the ANC dominated provincial government, wants to carry on with their plan. Those types of cavalier actions, destroys the spirit of reconciliation heralded in 1994, which gave birth to the South African rainbow nation. The, “I don’t care attitude” of the ANC in provinces that, they control, shows that, sooner or later, they will start land grabs as Mugabe has done in Zimbabwe . And again, according to the August 3 2007 online edition of the South African , the ANC dominated municipality of Tshwane, want to change the name of Pretoria to Tshwane. It was first claimed that, it was the municipality that was to be named Tshwane and now, in spite out cry from the Afrikaner tribe and monies thrown away into in such a controversial project, it seems the ANC dominated provincial government, wants to carry on with their plan. Those types of cavalier actions, destroys the spirit of reconciliation heralded in 1994, which gave birth to the South African rainbow nation. The, “I don’t care attitude” of the ANC in provinces that, they control, shows that, sooner or later, they will start land grabs as Mugabe has done in Zimbabwe. Mr Mugabe began his destructive number with the changing of names of major cities such as Harare and Bulawayo as he saw little or no reaction, he went on unchallenged and become so bold and the result we all now know. Mugabe’s strategy was that of a Chinese thief. It is certain that, South Africa is light years away from the Zimbabwean reality, but it is also with the same speed of light, that, she can transform herself into a Zimbabwe . But there are solutions to avoid South Africa from become second Zimbabwe not as late Botha wanted, but that South Africa should not to become another basket case of economic failure. Mr Mugabe began his destructive number with the changing of names of major cities such as Harare and Bulawayo as he saw little or no reaction, he went on unchallenged and become so bold and the result we all now know. Mugabe’s strategy was that of a Chinese thief. It is certain that, South Africa is light years away from the Zimbabwean reality, but it is also with the same speed of light, that, she can transform herself into a Zimbabwe. But there are solutions to avoid South Africa from become second Zimbabwe not as late Botha wanted, but that South Africa should not to become another basket case of economic failure. Solutions First what makes some fringes within the ANC to act the way they are doing is because, the ruling party is not only very strong and domineering, and she is a mixture of conflicting ideologies: Totalitarian Marxists and free market/liberals. Even though, the second hold sway, the first, are making a frightening come back as demonstrated by the leadership of populist and adulterous Jacob Zuma in opinion polls. Another indication that, the Communists are threatening the South African zest is the fact that, the ANC still wants their leader, who will intend become South Africa ’s president, to be elected through a cabalistic manner and presented to the public/members for hands-raised approvals. The wishes of ordinary masses, for a party that claims to represent the people are seldom sort when it comes to electing the head of the party. First what makes some fringes within the ANC to act the way they are doing is because, the ruling party is not only very strong and domineering, and she is a mixture of conflicting ideologies: Totalitarian Marxists and free market/liberals. Even though, the second hold sway, the first, are making a frightening come back as demonstrated by the leadership of populist and adulterous in opinion polls. Another indication that, the Communists are threatening the South African zest is the fact that, the ANC still wants their leader, who will intend become South Africa’s president, to be elected through a cabalistic manner and presented to the public/members for hands-raised approvals. The wishes of ordinary masses, for a party that claims to represent the people are seldom sort when it comes to electing the head of the party. This act alone is a manifestation of the contradictions within the ANC and it also shows their capacity to oscillate from good to worst. This might also explains why, when Tokyo Sexwale and secretly Cyril Ramaphosa made clear their interest to run for the ANC leadership, there was an out cry from, the destructive section of the south African ruling party. Such behaviours don’t augur well for a country with the ambitions set by its leaders. However, in order to truly erect a caste iron protection around the South African democracy, thus assuring that, it won’t become Zimbabwe , there is need for major South African political parties to federate their forces and also extend their recruitment bases beyond tribal or ethnic lines. Secondly, the Afrikaner tribes and other Whites as well as none White South Africans must not act foolishly as White Zimbabweans have done. White South Africans must stand up; get deeply involved into South Africa ’s current political struggle. This act alone is a manifestation of the contradictions within the ANC and it also shows their capacity to oscillate from good to worst. This might also explains why, when and secretly made clear their interest to run for the ANC leadership, there was an out cry from, the destructive section of the south African ruling party. Such behaviours don’t augur well for a country with the ambitions set by its leaders. However, in order to truly erect a caste iron protection around the South African democracy, thus assuring that, it won’t become Zimbabwe, there is need for major South African political parties to federate their forces and also extend their recruitment bases beyond tribal or ethnic lines. Secondly, the Afrikaner tribes and other Whites as well as none White South Africans must not act foolishly as White Zimbabweans have done. White South Africans must stand up; get deeply involved into South Africa’s current political struggle. They should join the ANC, while others must fight the ANC with full force, but all within democratic means. Standing on the sidelines will be fatal as White Zimbabweans have discovered. The name changing campaign currently be wrestled in order for it to bear a consensus template. South Africans black or white as Zimbabweans of both races have discovered, nationality is not a mater of colour. Those who have tested exiled who felt that, their colour will give them some privileges in Australia, Britain, the United States and New Zealand, have now discovered how sweet is home. Strangely but sadly, I have started seeing some White Zimbabweans living in emergency shelters in France and their number must be higher in Australia, Britain and New Zealand. I don’t think one single instant that White South Africans will want to test the life of humiliations that, Asylum seekers from countries north of theirs are witnessing in Europe and elsewhere. That is why, they have a responsibility to save the South African boat from an imminent capsize.
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